Aluminum vs Wood Screen Room: Which to Choose?

Installing a screen room with a roof has a bunch of benefits, including being protected from rain and bugs and increasing the usable space of your home. Once you're ready to move forward with construction, you have another big decision—should your screen room be built with wood or aluminum?  Each material has its own benefits, so let's dive into the differences between the two.

Here are some ways in which an aluminum screen room compares to a wood screen room:

Installation

As a homeowner, you want to make sure you're adding a solid, durable structure to your home. However, wouldn't it be nice if the installation was seamless and didn't interrupt your daily routine too much? Durable yet lightweight, aluminum is a popular choice. This material is relatively inexpensive and can be added to existing homes with minimal disruption. Wood installation is simple but can be more time-intensive when you take into account the staining or painting that is needed to protect it from the elements. A wood screen room can also cost significantly more than aluminum. Data from the construction industry estimates wood to be more than five times the cost of an aluminum patio, but the size and complexity of the project will impact the cost.

Maintenance

When you're making an update to your home, a top concern is how long the investment will last. The good news is that aluminum requires almost zero maintenance. Since it is weather-resistant and rust-resistant, aluminum ensures the same level of quality will be upheld over the years. Wood may require additional maintenance considerations and costs as it ages and starts to rot or dry rot, peel or corrode.

Appearance 

The look of your screen room is a matter of personal preference. Aluminum as a building material has evolved over the years to include more styles to match your home better. It is also compatible with lighting and ceiling fans, which can be a helpful option to create the look and feel of your new room. Wood offers a more traditional look that may be preferred. One note to consider is that, since wood is a natural product, it is prone to variations in color and grain from plank to plank.

While both are good options, aluminum screen rooms require less maintenance, are more weather-resistant, and can be more affordable than their wood counterparts. Homeowners should consider the benefits of each material when making their decision. If you're ready to learn more about designing an aluminum screen room for your home, give us a call today for a free estimate!